KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 27): Malaysia is concerned over the crisis affecting the Rohingya in Myanmar as the situation may expose opportunities for terrorist groups to recruit new members among the refugees, according to Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu.

Mohamad said the people who are affected by such crisis are vulnerable to the influence of terrorist groups as they may feel that it is the only solution to fight back and return to their home countries.

He drew similarities to the crisis between Palestine and Israel, where Palestinian refugees have spread around neighbouring countries such as Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, and that some had been recruited by terrorist groups to become suicide bombers.

"We are concerned that the same situation could happen to the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, as they have been chased away from their home land," he told reporters after the launch of the International Association of Counterterrorism and Security Professionals Asean Counter Terrorism Symposium here today.

"[The refugees] are easily recruited by terrorist groups as they are left with no choice, but to conform to the extremist ideologies in order to return to their home land or die in the struggle. Some of them may have given up hope so they see this as the only option," he added.

Mohamad stressed that the crisis in Myanmar is a pressing issue in Southeast Asia that needs to be addressed by the international community as the Rohingya people have been forced to take refuge in neighbouring countries, noting that over 100,000 Rohingya refugees have entered Malaysia.

"This can no longer be considered as an internal conflict or domestic issue. Asean countries, the United Nations and other leading countries should play a bigger role to ensure that those who are driven out of their country may return and live in harmony in their home country," he said.

When asked whether any of the refugees who have entered Malaysia were recruited by terrorist groups, Mohamad said he had no such information, but assured that the matter is being monitored by the armed forces and internal securities as most of the refugees are registered under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.